Q&A Archive

What is the most stable species of wood to be used in a humid environment?—Mike DiMaggio

What woods are best for bending?—Anon

In my furniture projects, I tend to use woods such as oak, maple, walnut, cherry, etc. How do these woods perform in bent lamination projects? Are there certain woods better suited than others for bent lamination?—Bob Wyatt

What is the primary use for holly and its properties?—Bob St-Laurent

Can artificial light speed up the natural darkening of cherry?—Michael Whitman

Ebony is very expensive and somewhat hard to find in large pieces. I heard there is a “faux” ebony which is a secondary type wood that is dyed through the whole structure of the wood (different from dying it yourself which is only on the surface and needs to be careful not to sand it off). Does anyone know of this product and where is can be obtained.—Steve Colello

Through what can only be called a “fortunate accident”, I find myself with a nice supply of spalted maple. Knowing that spalting is caused by several different types of fungi, however, I’m wondering if I should use any special precautions in working with it.—Bill Douglas

Where can I find a steam box design?—Joe Barry

When buying wood, what do you look for so when you rip it that it does not bind your saw?—Syd Lorandeau

I use a lot of reclaimed lumber which does have hidden nails. Is there a good way to find them?— John Davey